In 2006, Jos de Blok, a trained nurse, decided to promote a new organisational model based on autonomous teams within the nursing sector in the Netherlands. By giving nurses greater autonomy to organise their own rota and care plans, this organisational model is designed to enable staff to take back control of their work. Staff would be more motivated and satisfied, and the quality of their work would improve, to the benefit of patients.
This model has inspired numerous organisations in the home care sector, both in France and elsewhere in the world. The personal care sector is experiencing both strong growth and significant challenges: working conditions are difficult, whilst pay and career prospects are poor. The introduction of the autonomous teams model appears to be a promising option for reducing job dissatisfaction and staff turnover, but managing timetables and care plans requires the development of new skills and a high level of commitment at work. The impact this model would have on the home care sector remains uncertain at present, even as it is being rolled out rapidly.
